I am asking for your support, by signing my petition on ‘Changing Diapering Standards’ as this initiative is dear to my heart and home.  I am working to bring awareness to diaper companies like Bamboo Nature, Huggies, Luvs, Pampers, and The Honest Company that currently only offer 'standard' diaper sizes for children, with Size 7 being the largest available. Why should you care?

I have a daughter that was born premature, as a micro preemie, 6 years ago. She developed hydrocephalus, a brain bleed and eventually cerebral palsy. She is the epitome of a survivor.  While she has made considerable, grand and meaningful developments, incontinence has and may always be an issue! Our family has been using pampers since her time in the NICU (starting with the smallest little pampers available). Though I understand that society expects all kiddos to be out of diapers by a certain time, that isn’t the case for toddlers, Children and pre-teens with disabilities and illnesses or that are just behind the potty training curve. For example, my daughter has metabolism issues that limit the amount of weight she gains and how quickly. So the available diapers still fit her…this won’t be the case for too much longer.

This limited offering is exclusionary and an injustice. Currently, 1.8 Million children in the United States are afflicted with a disability or illness in which ‘incontinence’ is a symptom or side affect.  Having limitations on diapering options is hard not only for the children but also for healthcare providers, parents and caregivers. While the brand ‘Depends’ has been suggested as a crossover for children - this company is for 'ADULT' incontinence. Children should not be required or forced to wear 'adult' incontinence pads and diapers when there are companies that specialize in ‘child’ diapering. This issue is not only about ageism discrimination but also discrimination against any toddler, child, or pre-teen that has an affliction in which potty training isn't an option and diapering is the best option. While an additional critique can be that diapers create additional waste that end up in landfills - by no means are the statistics higher than plastic and other non-recyclables. The goal is to get National awareness. Our initiative has the support of doctors, nurses and medical professionals, who are all in agreement that this sizing standard needs to change!  These size changes will support INCLUSION and not exclusion but most importantly - change the stronghold on societal norms related to age appropriate diapering. As a mother to a child that this issue effects, I ask for your support!